Player ratings: Swindon Town v Macclesfield Town

Swindon Town left is as late as possible before eventually securing a 3-2 home victory over Macclesfield Town, as two added time penalties made the difference. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the action at the Country Ground.

Swindon Town left is as late as possible before eventually securing a 3-2 home victory over Macclesfield Town, as two added time penalties made the difference. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the action at the Country Ground.

GK: Lawrence Vigouroux (4)

Despite the victory, this was a performance to forget for Swindon’s number one. Relatively untested in the first half with a couple of comfortable saves down the middle of his goal. However, a shaky second half was cause for concern. A terrible pass out to his defence seen him take full responsibility for Macclesfield's second goal and some poor clearances could have led to more opportunities.

RB: Kyle Knoyle (7)

A relatively quiet afternoon for the right-back saw the defender given chance to display both his defensive and attacking capabilities. Defended well to snuff out Macclesfield's counter-attacks down the flank, but his ability to get forward and put crosses into the box will be a big positive for Phil Brown.

CB: Olly Lancashire (C) (6)

Captain Olly Lancashire endured an afternoon of mixed emotions as Swindon got the win. A lack of action in the first half caused Lancashire to switch off when play resumed after he was caught out by a quick free-kick which led to the opening goal. 

Some staunch defending in the games latter stages however allowed Town to attack and his cool-headedness when things got hectic is just the reason why Phil Brown has picked the defender as Captain.

CB: Dion Conroy (8)

It wasn’t the clean sheet that the defence wanted, but Dion Conroy was brilliant throughout against a quick-paced Macclesfield attack. Many expected Conroy to struggle in what was his first competitive match back from injury, but the 22-year-old was a rock in Swindon’s backline. Used his strength to his advantage and wasn’t afraid to bring the ball forward and start an attack. 

LB: Matty Taylor (8)

It’s not often a player hits the woodwork twice and doesn’t score, but the ball just wouldn’t go in the net for Matty Taylor. After completing his 21st pre-season of a lengthy career to date, Taylor looked like a player with years ahead of him as he got up and down the left touchline all game. 

Excellent crosses from the left-back caused havoc in the opposition box and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, his 88th minute free-kick just clipping the bar. A great performance from the Town fullback. 

RCM: Michael Doughty (9)

Hat-trick hero Michael Doughty secured all three points for Swindon Town in a match which certainly didn’t disappoint. Was a nuisance to Macclesfield’s defenders from the start, playing intricate one-touch passes in the heart of midfield, before seeing his shot in the 16th minute superbly saved by The Silkmen’s goalkeeper. 

Kept pressing on and trying to create even when it looked like a defeat for Swindon and held his nerve to score twice from the penalty spot in added time. 

CM: Martin Smith (8)

Appearing on his debut, Smith dominated the midfield area to mark his authority in what was a tough test for Swindon. Regularly left on his own in a three-man midfield, Smith used his tactical awareness to be a key force in both attack and defence. Put on a passing masterclass in the first half spraying the ball from left-to-right with ease. Put in a brilliant performance before being replaced in the 87th minute. 

LCM: Steven Alzate (7)

Played on the left of a three-man midfield and put in an impressive shift for Swindon’s first game of the season. Used his pace well to help create openings and seemed to form a very good passing relationship with Doughty throughout the game. Didn’t have any outstanding moment but a good all-around performance from the midfielder.

RW: Keshi Anderson (7)

Swindon’s victory seen Anderson put in a solid performance on the right-wing of a three-pronged attack. Seemed to never stop running as opposition defender David Fitzpatrick struggled to deal with the energy of Swindon’s winger. A no-thrills performance from the attacker, but Brown will be pleased with Anderson's ability to do the simple things very well.

LW: Jermaine McGlashan (7)

Swindon’s first signing of the summer put in an extremely commendable performance to help Swindon earn a victory over their Midlands-based rivals. Signed from Southend on a free transfer, McGlashan put in a performance to be proud of. 

Mainly featuring on the left-wing, the Englishman ran tirelessly and delivered some exceptional crossing into the box whilst also using his strength in attack to hold up play. 

ST: Elijah Adebayo (8)

No goal for Swindon’s new striker, who put a very good performance none the less. Hit the woodwork from a headed chance and shown his ability with the ball at his feet testing Macclesfield’s goalkeeper throughout the match. 

Should have scored in the 28th minute when through on goal only to have his shot saved, but this is a striker who looks set to score plenty of goals for Swindon this season.